time to refresh the rules

THESE WERE POSTED ON THE LAP BAND SITE BUT I THINK MANY OF THE RULES ARE SIMILAR... I PRINTED THESE FOR MY FRIDGE.  HOPE YOU FIND THEM INTERESTING TOO.... Here are some rules that have worked for me and I hope they help you for your continued weight loss success. Keep away from Breads, Pastas, Fried foods and sweets.  It is hard to stay away from what you have LOVED all your life. Follow the basic rules that most of our Lap Band Dr.'s have in their literature. 1. - Eat only small meals (6-8 ounces/2/3 to 1 cup) I have 3-4 small meals a day plus a snack and try to space them 3-4 hrs apart. 2. - Cut food into small, dime-size bits. Eat one bite at a time, chew thoroughly and swallow carefully. 3. - Stop eating when you feel full. Feeling full is a different kind of feeling for each of us now. It's hard to know what that full feeling is so I try to stop eating when I have had the proper portions(6-8 ounces/2/3 to 1 cup). This can be tough sometimes, especially when you are waiting for a fill.  Work with the band. 4. - Do not drink while eating. This is vital. Occasionally with dry foods, I have a sip only of water to help. 5. - Do not drink fluids for 45 - 60 minutes after eating. This is to allow your meal to digest and pass through the band. 6. - Eat only quality, nutritious foods. Remember, protein first. Good luck in this fast paced world! Also, just because they are easier to pass, many bandsters stay to soft, mushy foods. You need to eat well chewed solid foods because they stay longer in the stoma and give you that full feeling for a longer time. 5. - Avoid white, starchy foods and fibrous foods with stalks. After you get a piece of celery or carrot stuck once, you'll never want to do it again. 8. - Drink plenty of fluids during the day. 8 8oz glasses of non-caloric liquids (preferable water) a day. Some are lucky and can still drink carbonated liquids but I feel that that leads to too much of a chance to distend the stoma, so I don't. 9. - Drink only non-caloric liquids. Fruit juices are good for The first 6 weeks after surgery while you heal but after tha****er them down cause of the sugar content. 10. - Exercise at least 30 minutes a day unless restricted by medical conditions. Easiest is to start walking for ten minute  three times a day and work your way up to longer walks.